Joseph M. Campagna

Joseph M. Campagna, 103, of West Scranton, died Thursday evening at Allied Services Hospice Center in Scranton with family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, the former MaryAda Borer.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Michael and Mary Fusco Campagna, he attended Scranton public schools. Also surviving is Joseph's sister Jenny Carlucci of Cicero, N.Y.

Joseph was an enlisted soldier and a proud decorated WW II Veteran. He served as a Staff Sergeant and Squad Leader with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division under General Patton and General Dwight D. Eisenhower's command. Some of the medals he earned while serving are Two Purple Hearts for injuries received in battles at Anzio and the Volturno River, WW II Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a Presidential Citation. He served in the African American Campaign in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Allied Invasion in Sicily, and the Italian Campaign in the Mediterranean Theatre which included three amphibious landings. Joe was featured along with his Infantry Platoon on the March 27, 1944, cover of Life Magazine, landing on the shores of Salerno, Italy.

Prior to retirement he was employed by the Chamberlain Corporation as a Union Boiler Maker. Joe was a quiet, kind soul who lived a purposeful life and taught his family and all who knew him the importance of the simple things. He was passionate about gardening and always had a bountiful harvest right up until nearly the day he died. A passion his children and grandchildren continue to carry on. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed.

Surviving are daughters, Marisa Litwinsky and life partner Al Pantuso Jr. of Clarks Summit; Gina Rozell and husband Dave of Somers Point, N.J.; grandchildren, John, Adam and Ryan Litwinsky and Cassandra Rozell-Alba, husband David; and great-granddaughter, Rosalina, Alexa Rozell-Newhart, husband James; and great-granddaughters Eris and Cora.

Joseph was truly blessed in life to have wonderful stepchildren as well; Lauren Bunker and husband David of Jacksonville, Fla.; Richard Ortman and wife Christine of Honesdale, Pa.; and David Ortman of Trinity, Fla.; and their loving children, Richard Ortman Jr. and wife Carolyn; Robert Ortman and wife Kathy; Tami Ortman; Ray Hollister Jr. and wife Amber; Heidi Brown; Jessica Melovitz; Shannon Ortman; Alyssa Ortman; Justin Ortman and wife Paige. In addition, he had fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Lastly, near and dear to his heart his nephew, Kevin McDonell and his wife Kimberly and their family of New Windsor, N.Y. And numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Vincenza Campagna, Angelina DiGiacomo, Josephine Hallacker, and Mary Roderick; and his brothers, Sam, Michael, and Anthony Campagna.

The funeral will be Wednesday with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, officiated by Father John M. Lapera. Interment to follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton. Carl J. Savino, Jr., supervisor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph's name to Allied Services Hospice Center, 511 Morgan Highway, Scranton, PA 18508; the Laurel Garden Club c/o Carla Preate DeCarli, 119 Park Drive, Waverly Twp., PA 18411; or to Back Mountain Bloomers, P.O. Box 210, Dallas, PA 18612.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.WestScrantonFunerals.com.